10.11.2008

The b-boy show

Wow. I'm still speechless, and it's been over a week since the opening reception for my solo show "b-boy". First of all, I want to thank everyone who came out to support. It was an exhilarating experience, from conceptualization to research to sketching to painting and, finally, to exhibiting the work. It's been one of the most difficult projects I've ever taken on, but also one of the most satisfying. I'm extremely proud of the work I was able to crank out for the Grassy Knoll Gallery and my only hope for those of you who stopped by that evening of October 2nd is that you caught a mere glimpse of all the hard work that was put into it. A wild ride, but completely and totally worth it.

I've put together a Flickr set from the show, along with some work-in-progress shots, in case you're into that sort of thing. I know a lot of you artist-types usually are. Checkit: b-boy.

Not one for the words, so I'll let the photos speak for themselves (with a few captions, for info's sake):

This was the first time I had a chance to see all (or, almost all) the paintings together.

For the wood and cardboard pieces I used india ink for the linework. Loved the pure blacks I was getting.

I even employed Spidey to help out:

The following two shots of me laying out the paintings the day before the show by Andrea:

Day of the show:

Gallery co-owner Renee Marcotte makes it all official by putting up the labels.

It was wild to see people I knew there. Even wilder to see people I didn't know.

Here's what they were checking out:

Moon Patrol Crew was amazing. Really made the show. Thanks, guys for putting on such an incredible performace.

Ezra wanted to get out there so badly. He was ready, getting up slightly after each dancer, but would sit back down when the next b-boy hit the floor. Seriously, I would've paid money to see him get out on the floor and do his version of breakin'.

For those of you who weren't able to go to the opening reception and want to see the exhibit, you can contact Renee Marcotte at 1-503-449-7484 and she'll be able to set up an appointment for ya. The show will be up for the entire months of October and November. If you can't make it to Portland, yet still curious about what it's all about, you can see all the paintings at Grassy Knoll Gallery's online store. Yes, they're affordable.

Again, I'm so thankful for everyone who showed up last Thursday, the 2nd. It was a memorable night for me & my family.

12 comments:

ward! i am so stoked and inspired by you brother. seriously. i've been following this b-boy show of yours closely...have you sold any? how many? i am seriously wanting to get one... but the aussie dollar has just sunk even lower against the greenback, so they are just a bit too much out of my budget, but... i so badly want one! arrrgggghhhhh!

Hey Ward- I usually don't post comments on your stuff but just had to tell you congratulations on the show. I know it is a thrill and your stuff really captures the B-Boy feel. Wish I could make the trip up to see it.

Aww, hey, thanks for all the great comments, guys! And scribbler, THANK YOU for being the first to buy one of my paintings! Thank you thank you thank you! I'd love to keep in touch with all the people who own my paintings, so please email me when you get the chance, if you don't mind.

It's been a joy for me to read all your comments. Many thanks for the support, people.

You know, I'm planning on doing more paintings after the show's initial run at the Grassy Knoll. If anyone has any thoughts on where I can take this show next, please email me. I'm game. I'd love to have this become a traveling show, if possible.